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A Building Inclusive Green Municipalities (BIGM) Gender Strategy Workshop was held in Jeffreys Bay last week (7 March).

The workshop was presented by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), together with Kouga Municipality.

Kouga Planning, Development and Tourism Portfolio Councillor Bryan Dhludhlu said the focus of the workshop was on identifying gender issues that influence development and to help with the development of a gender strategy for municipalities that are involved in the BIGM programme.

Kouga is one of six Eastern Cape municipalities involved in BIGM, a joint initiative of SALGA and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The Kouga workshop, facilitated by Urban-Econ Development Economists, was attended by municipal officials, councillors and stakeholders from vulnerable group forums and non-governmental organisations.

The other Eastern Cape municipalities are Mbizana, Port St Johns, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Ngqushwa and Ndlambe.

The programme seeks to create more sustainable ways of development within the broader context of climate change

Dhludhlu said climate change and asset management had not been fully integrated into development policies and strategies in South Africa.

“There is a need to enhance the capabilities of our women, other vulnerable groups, municipalities and government departments in data and knowledge management, as well as developing and implementing climate smart options and associated policies,” he said.

He said Kouga was committed to the BIGM programme as climate change was a reality for all and also affected vulnerable groups.

“These conversations need to continue and form part of our strategic planning documents and policies,” said Dhludhlu.

A delegation from Kouga visited the Canadian municipality Prince Edward County in October last year to learn how the Canadians have advanced in the programme of building green municipalities.

A delegation from Prince Edward County will be in Kouga next week to consolidate the work done during the local delegation’s visit to Canada.